Panel Discussion on Gender Based Violence in Kolkata

The Bengal Obstetric & Gynaecological Society partners with Swayam and Afflatus Foundation among other notable NGOs working in this field for a Public Awareness Program on Prevention of Violence against women, on Sunday, 8th December 2024 at Town Hall, Kolkata, which was attended by close to 100 audience.

The event was inaugurated by Dr Basab Mukherjee, Dr Amit Basu, Ms Amrita Das Gupta (Director, Swayam), Ms eAnamika Choudhury (Presisent, Afflatus Foundation. Dr Kiranmai Devineni and other eminent dignitaries. The Bengal Society participation will be led by President, Dr. Basab Mukherjee and Secretary Dr. Amit Basu.

The program included two-panel discussions on Gender-Based Violence (GBV), focusing on its impact and strategies to address it. Another highlight of the program was the ‘Felicitation of Warriors – combating Violence against Women,’ where grassroot change-makers who have faced significant societal challenges. and have emerged as strong leaders and champions will share their stories. This programme addressed the important issue of GBV in the health sector through a poster competition among nursing students and prize distribution took place.

The first panel aimed to explore and visibilize the challenges that one has to face as an organization or an individual, in the efforts of addressing violence against women. The second one aimed to share strategies and show a way forward.

In this first panel explored the “Changing forms of gender-based violence from an intersectional lens”. Tthere was a diverse panel, with individuals working in the legal field, in the medical and public health sector, in the field of disability rights, Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights, and in the area of prevention and addressal of violence as severe as trafficking. With a wealth of knowledge in different thematic areas and experience with different populations, an enriching discussion took place. The panelists were Soma Chakraborty (Vihaan), Bishakha Lashkar (Durbar), Anamika Choudhury (Afflatus Foundation), Mrinalini Majumdar (Advocate), Kiranmai Devineni (Chairperson, No to VAW Committee, FOGSI) and Amrita Des Gupta (Swayam).

The conversation primarily focused on the following:
Have the forms violence changed in the context of your area of work? How and what are they?
What are the structural and systemic obstacles that need to be addressed keeping in mind the intersections of gender, caste, class, disability, mental health and other indicators of marginalization?

The second session, “Creating an inclusive, equal and violence free society ~ Way forward” seeks to inform the audience and help us understand the current ongoing efforts; the strategies, different models and innovations being carried out and have so far proven to be heard, acted upon and is showing progress towards the expected impact.

While there can be no singular answer to the question “What do we do about it?”, it is crucial for us to understand that the hope lies in continued collective / individual actions.

The panel discussion underscored the increasing awareness and early reporting of violence against women. However, it highlighted the need for systemic reforms in the redressal process to keep pace with the evolving nature of violence. The panel emphasized the collective responsibility of families, communities, institutions and the state in raising children and fostering a culture of respect. Small, everyday actions were identified as crucial in building a gender-equal and violence-free society. The discussion also touched upon the negative impact of misinformation and unregulated online behavior, which can lead to a lack of empathy and exacerbate violence.

Artists, particularly performers, face unique challenges, including voyeurism, online harassment, and the pressure to maintain a public image, hindering their ability to seek help. The panel emphasized the importance of positive role modeling and effective communication to raise awareness about violence and encourage support for survivors. By sharing positive examples and fostering open dialogue, we can create a society that is more empathetic, informed, and committed to ending violence against women.